Phoenix (STN) – UMOM is preparing to support families experiencing homelessness during another dangerous Arizona summer.
“We get a lot of really hot days, 110 degrees or above,” said Ashley Oakley, chief development officer at UMOM. “At night, it doesn’t cool off.”
UMOM, the state’s largest family emergency shelter provider, serves more than 15,000 people annually. This summer, the organization is converting shelter rooms on its Phoenix campus into temporary relief spaces where families can stay safely indoors while accessing support services and housing resources.
“We are very excited to provide daytime and overnight heat relief for families,” Oakley said.
WATCH: UMOM expands summer heat relief efforts for families in Phoenix
The program is supported through a continued partnership with the City of Phoenix and includes access to UMOM’s Family Housing Hub, which connects families to longer-term shelter services.
Oakley said the initiative is part of a larger coordinated effort among Valley organizations.
“Not everyone can do everything,” she said. “We’re focusing on where we can make the biggest impact.”
She also emphasized the amount of work happening behind the scenes to prepare for the new program.
“We really want to address as many issues as possible while we have these families with us this summer,” Oakley said.
As temperatures continue to rise, Oakley encouraged the community to support local organizations through donations, volunteering, and in-kind drives.
“There’s always something we can do to help,” she said.
